Online retail is booming and the top 2,000 businesses on eBay grew 45% last year, according to its Online Business Index launched last week.

The report was launched at a breakfast event hosted by CEDA, the Committee for Economic Development in Australia. New Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury made the keynote address, followed by Vice President of eBay Australia & New Zealand, Deborah Sharkey who outlined the report findings. A robust panel discussion followed with representatives from Australia Post, Supre, and the Australian Retailers Association.

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Some of the other key findings of the report included:

• 2012 is all about mobile shopping – 72% top eBay sellers said there was a role in mobile commerce in their business strategy in the next 12 months
• Shipping is a key enabler for online retail growth – 68% of sellers said they wanted more competitive shipping rates and tracking

The event was also recorded and can be viewed via webcast.